This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew is the perfect dish for chilly evenings! With tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a tasty broth, it brings warmth and comfort to the table.
Plus, the best part? You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Perfect for those lazy days when you want a cozy meal without much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer great flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breasts work well too. For a twist, use turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience!
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and potatoes are classic for stew. You can mix it up with other veggies like green beans, parsnips, or sweet potatoes depending on what you have. Frozen veggies can also save time!
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary provide lovely aromatics. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley or oregano if you prefer. Fresh herbs will add even more flavor when added at the end.
Thickening Agent: Flour is optional for thickening. If you’re gluten-free, cornstarch mixed with water will do the trick instead. You can skip thickening altogether for a lighter stew.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked in a Slow Cooker?
Getting the chicken just right is key to a delicious stew. Browning it first in a skillet enhances the flavor, but it’s not strictly necessary. Here’s how to ensure your chicken is tender:
- Season the chicken well before cooking to boost flavor.
- Cooking on low for 6-7 hours allows the chicken to become very tender without drying out. Using high heat is quicker but can lead to tougher meat.
- Adding frozen peas in the last 30 minutes helps them stay bright and keep their texture.
Always check that the chicken is fully cooked (165°F or about 74°C) before serving. Enjoy your meal!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients, and then you can let it cook in the slow cooker. If you cook it on low, it will take 6-7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Easy and perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, take the chicken chunks and lightly season them with salt and pepper. This will add some flavor to the chicken.
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re lightly golden. This step is optional, but it adds delicious flavor to the stew!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Transfer the browned chicken into your slow cooker. Add in the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, potatoes, dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Stir it all gently to make sure everything is combined well.
4. Cook the Stew:
Now, cover the slow cooker. If you’re cooking on low, let it cook for 6-7 hours. For high heat, it’ll be ready in about 3-4 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Add Peas:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, throw in the frozen peas. This keeps them bright and tasty!
6. Thicken the Stew (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with a little water to create a slurry. Stir it into the stew and let it cook uncovered for another 20-30 minutes.
7. Final Touches:
Remove the bay leaf and taste the stew. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up the warm stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy this cozy and comforting slow cooker chicken stew!
Perfect for chilly nights and serving everyone at the table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can cook it from frozen, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. It may take an extra hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
Can I Make This Stew Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This stew can be made a day in advance. Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop.
What Variations Can I Try with This Recipe?
You can easily customize this stew! Consider adding different vegetables like green beans or corn, or swapping the chicken for turkey or beef. For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce while cooking!
